Serious questions about the basic framework of China-Japan relations and international legal commitments

# Prem Sagar Poudel

In the more than five-decade journey of China-Japan relations, the “One China” policy has served as the backbone of political durability, mutual trust, diplomatic restraint, and regional peace. But recent unfair and unfounded comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan have raised a sensitivity that calls this historical framework into question. This comment is not only a diplomatic inadvertence but also a direct violation of Japan’s formal, legal, and political commitments to the international community and to China. This signals a challenge to the geopolitical balance in East Asia, regional understanding, and the future of Sino-Japanese relations.

The four political documents on China-Japan relations, the 1972 Joint Declaration, the 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, the 1998 Joint Declaration, and the 2008 Joint Statement, are the basic legal and political pillars of relations between the two countries. The focus of these documents is: Japan adheres to the “One China” policy, understands, respects, and conducts its policy accordingly China’s permanent position that the Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China and that Taiwan is an integral part of China. These documents are not just ‘political statements’ but are clear commitments made by Japan, in line with international legal norms.

In the 1972 Joint Declaration, Japan formally recognized the sovereign unity of China. It stated that Japan recognizes the Chinese government as the sole legitimate government and fully understands China’s permanent position that Taiwan is part of China, and will not deviate from its respect. The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship legally confirmed this policy, as an international treaty. Such a treaty is not something that can be broken through unilateral comments or internal political messages; Japan is legally bound from the moment it signs it. In joint documents from 1998 and 2008, both sides reiterated that Japan would not make any changes or reinterpretations of the “One China” policy.

Despite such a clear diplomatic history, the Japanese Prime Minister’s comments show that Tokyo is sending a political signal that is inconsistent with its historical responsibilities, legal obligations, and regional sensitivities. Taiwan in particular is not only a sensitive issue, but also a core interest of China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national reunification. Any country’s incorrect comments or interference in this matter is considered direct interference in China’s internal affairs.

China has always clearly and consistently made the One China principle the basis of its foreign policy, security policy, and national interests. A large number of countries around the world are also accepting this approach. International legal notices also provide a clear basis in China’s favor in the Taiwan dispute. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 of 1971 finally resolved the Taiwan question constitutionally, recognizing the Republic of China as the sole representative of China. Therefore, any country, especially a regional power like Japan, making arbitrary comments on the Taiwan issue is not only an attack on China-Japan relations, but it is also an act of dissent with the international legal structure based on the United Nations system.

There is another complication to Japan’s current comments: the regional security environment. Steps that create instability in East Asia, increase strategic tensions, or undermine multilateral peace structures are not just a problem for China-Japan relations; they pose a risk to stability in the entire Asia-Pacific. Both China and Japan are economically and politically influential countries in the world. One person’s carelessness not only undermines diplomacy, but also complicates regional trade, security, sea lanes, and even multilateral economic integration.

Therefore, Japan needs to behave in accordance with the identity of a responsible nation. First, must clearly explain our historical promise and the four political documents. Second, must completely refrain from provocative speeches or false messages made for political gain on the Taiwan issue. Third, must reaffirm our commitment to the political foundation, diplomatic decency, and international legal obligations of China-Japan relations. Fourth, must send a message to the world community not to deviate from the principles of regional peace, economic cooperation, and mutual respect.

This issue also sends a clear signal to the international community that the “One China” principle is not just a political claim made by China in its favor. It has been officially recognized by the international community, including the United Nations. This principle maintains the geopolitical stability of East Asia, and it is also the basis for strengthening diplomatic trust between countries. Any move to undermine it would jeopardize the long-term security environment and fuel unnecessary conflict. Therefore, the international community must seriously respect China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights regarding Taiwan.

The stability of China-Japan relations is in the interests of both countries, the interests of the people of both countries, and more importantly, the interests of peace, trade, and the future of the entire Asia-Pacific. This is why Japan must demonstrate clear and careful diplomatic discipline in its comments, policy signals, and international behavior. This is what history, law, responsibility, and reality demand.

Author: Prem Sagar Poudel is a senior journalist and international relations analyst from Nepal. He has conducted in-depth studies on Nepal-China relations, the geopolitics of the Himalayan region, and Asian security.